Human Trafficking

Linenhall Chambers dedicated team of criminal barristers includes specialists in human trafficking who both prosecute and defend such cases right across England and Wales due to their high level of specialism in this area.

In prosecution cases, Linenhall Chambers barristers are instructed by the Complex Crime Unit (CCU), Border Force and National Crime Agency (NCA) with whom they have close working relationships.

Additionally, the team’s recognised experience and expertise as leaders in the field of organised crime is often brought to bear in human trafficking cases which are often closely linked. Linenhall’s barristers have acted in many large-scale cases of human trafficking where organised crime gangs have helped large numbers of foreign immigrants to enter the UK illegally.

The team also acts in the defence of such cases on behalf of instructing solicitors for clients in England and Wales, particularly in North Wales where a proportion of the team’s work in human trafficking arises from Chambers proximity to the Port of Holyhead, where ferry traffic from the Republic of Ireland enters a common travel area without passport control, making the location a hotspot for illegal immigration.

The barristers at Linenhall Chambers have particularly extensive experience in relation to Modern Slavery, acting both for those charged with the offence or for those relying on the defence of Modern Slavery compelling them to be involved in human trafficking. The introduction of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 has made a significant difference to the way in which human trafficking cases are investigated, charged and prosecuted and our expert barristers use their understanding in this ever-growing area of law to help bring cases to the desired conclusion.

Where defendants are based overseas and extradition is needed, the charges brought against them must be very precise and members of the Linenhall team regularly provide advice to the CCU at an early stage to ensure the right charge is carefully selected and drafted. The team also utilise their knowledge of the rules surrounding international travel to assist in the smooth running of cases.

As cases continue to rise year on year in this ever-growing area of law, barristers from Linenhall Chambers can advise in human trafficking cases involving:

• Organised crime
• Modern slavery
• Drugs
• Sexual exploitation and abuse
• Fraud
• Serious violence